Billodeau C-P board’s choice for supt. post

By FAITH HUFFMAN | News-Telegram News Editor

Apr. 11, 2007 - Sandra Billodeau was named the top finalist for superintendent of Como-Pickton Consolidated Independent School District this week, and barring any unforeseen events will officially be named superintendent at the end of the month.

Mark Humphrey, as school board president, was authorized by the other members of the board to finalize the contract for Billodeau's employment this month.

"I think Sandy will do a good job," Humphrey said. "I think she's right for the the job. We need someone with honesty and integrity above others. She is beyond reproach. I think she has all of that."

The school board president said they received several applications, but Billodeau was hands down the most outstanding candidate.

"We talked to her and others for the job," he said. "I talked to head hunters for TASB [Texas Association of School Boards] and folks with Region 8. She's someone who is respected and trusted."

Although she lacks much experience as superintendent, board members said she has done everything that has been asked of her and more since her appointment in January as acting superintendent. She assumed that role following Bryan Neal's suspension and subsequent resignation as superintendent following an investigation into allegations of misuse of district funds and his arrest on forgery and fraud charges.

"She has jumped in with both feet these past few months," Humphrey said. "She has never backed up. When we showed up on her doorstep a few months ago, she knew what to do and has done it."

Billodeau has served as assistant superintendent at CPCISD since 2001. She began her career at Como-Pickton in 1984 as a teacher/counselor, the first counselor at the school. She went on to accept a number of administrative positions within the district, including assistant principal for prekindergarten through 12th grade students, elementary principal, prekindergarten through 12th grade principal, then assistant superintendent.

Billodeau said it was “a great honor to to work with the children and to be able to serve the community.”

As is required by law, the board cannot officially hire a superintendent until a 21-day waiting period has concluded. The board will meet again later this month to finalize the hiring, Humphrey said.

Tarrant, who served as secretary of maintenance and transportation, resigned as of March 27 in order to spend more time with her husband, who works out of the state. She was employed with the district for 17 years.

Shutt asked to be allowed to work either until her child is born or until a doctor orders her not to, whichever comes first. She asked that the maternity leave extend through the end of the school year. Her child is due on April 25.

The board approved a five-part contract for the coach, noting he will receive the usual teaching and master's degree pay schedules, $5,000 for being a coach, $2,250 for his services as coordinator, and stipends according to the set pay scale for any additional sports he coaches or services her performs. The estimated base pay, which will vary depending on his tasks, will be about $56,100, according to Humphrey.

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